Page 54 of Merciless Union
I see movement far off in the distance by a tree. I take a deep inhale when I see it’s Stepan. So, he decided to show. Making a mockery of Maxim and me, I’m sure.
I keep my eyes on him. He’s partially blocked by the tree, just enough hidden for no one else to see him unless they were looking. Then, his eyes meet mine.
And he smirks.
I gasp, clutching Maxim’s hand. He glances down before looking back at me. He follows my gaze. I know the minute he sees Stepan by how his body tenses. I feel him squeeze my hand. The sudden reassurance of it makes me feel lightheaded.
I look back at Maxim, shaking my head. I don’t want him ruining my mother’s funeral by getting into a shootout with his rival.
He frowns, looking deep into my eyes before finally nodding slowly. I let out a relieved breath, squeezing his hand in thanks. He quirks an eyebrow, but I look away.
Once the reverend is done, my father steps forward to say a few words. I drown it out, unable to listen to his kind words about my mother. Hearing him say he’ll miss her makes me miss her even more. I drop my chin to my chest, closing my eyes and praying for this day to be over.
My father finishes and takes his seat next to me. I know it’s my turn to speak, but I can’t.
“Sweetheart,” my father murmurs, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Would you like to say something?”
I look up. Everyone’s eyes are on me.
Feeling the pressure, I stand up, knowing I need to say something. My mom would be so disappointed if I didn’t.
“Uh,” I start to say, clearing my throat. “My mom, she, uh …” I inhale deeply. “She was the best mom any girl could ask for. Um …” My voice catches in my throat.
I feel myself start to wobble on my feet. I shut my eyes, unable to bear the stares of all these strangers.
A hand touches my back. I open my eyes. Maxim is standing next to me.
I watch him as he begins to speak. “Oksana was a brave woman.” His deep voice resonates over the crowd. “She was strong until her last breath. She raised a great daughter, one I’m proud to call my wife.” His eyes meet mine. “I know she will be missed every day. But she’ll also be loved every day. I can say this with certainty.” He lowers his voice. “She’d be so proud of you.”
I look at Maxim with awe. I honestly didn’t know he had this kindness within him. All the distance between us now punches me in the gut.
“Thank you,” I whisper.
He nods.
I wobble as Maxim helps me back to my seat.
The reverend asks if anyone else wants to say something. For the next hour, people step forward to say beautiful things about my mother. I guess I’m not the only person she touched. My mother put a lot of love into this world, and I can feel more at peace knowing she helped many people with her kindness.
Finally, the funeral ends, and everyone departs to the reception.
Maxim and I sit in the car as our driver takes us, silent, both of us looking out the window.
The silence between us is becoming deafening. “Thank you,” I blurt out again. Maxim looks over at me. “For saving me out there.”
“I’m just doing what a husband should. Supporting his wife.”
His words make me blink. I let out a small laugh. “Yeah. I guess you’re right. You did support me out there.” I meet his gaze. “I didn’t get the chance to thank you for the paint supplies. Why, um … why did you buy me new things?”
“Because I ruined your other supplies. I wanted to replace the … the things I broke.”
“Why?”
“Why would I do that, you mean?”
I nod.
He sighs, looking back out the window. “If I admit it, I’ll sound weak.”
